Penile Cancer
What is it?
Penile cancer is the rare growth of malignant
cells on the external skin and in the tissues of
the penis. Different types of penile cancer can
develop in different cells of the penis, which
determines the seriousness of the cancer and the
type of treatment needed. Who gets it?
Although penile cancer is rare, accounting for
less than one percent of all male cancers, certain
lifestyle factors can increase the risk. According
to a recent study, a patient history of thirty or
more lifetime sexual partners and infection with
the human papillomavirus (HPV) appears to increase
the risk for developing penile cancer.
Additionally, cigarette smoking, poor hygiene in
uncircumcised males, and a penile tear or rash
from any cause were associated with increased
risk.
What causes it?
The majority of penile cancers develop from
flat, scale-like skin cells called squamous cells.
Like most other forms of nonmelanoma skin cancer,
these tumors tend to grow slowly and are usually
preceded by precancerous changes that may last for
several years. When detected in the early stages,
these tumors can usually be cured. Squamous cell
penile cancers can develop anywhere on the organ,
but most develop on the foreskin (in men who have
not been circumcised) or on the glands. A very
rare type of penile cancer called adenocarcinoma can
develop in thee sweat glands in the skin of the penis,
while another small percentage of penile cancer can
develop from melanoma. Melanomas are considered more
dangerous because they grow and spread more quickly.
Usually melanomas develop on sun-exposed areas of the
skin, though occasionally they develop on other areas
not likely to be sunburned. The remaining cases of
penile cancers develops from the blood vessels, smooth
muscle and other connective tissues of the penis.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom of penile cancer is a
tender spot or an open sore at the tip of the
penis. If left untreated, it will spread slowly
across the skin and invade deeper layers of
tissue. Pain and bleeding may develop as the
cancer continues to grow. Penile cancer can spread
into the lymph nodes and through the lymphatic
(infection-fighting) system, spreading to the
groin and other parts of the body. How is it
diagnosed?
A doctor, typically an urologist, will examine
the patient's penis for lumps, open sores or any
other abnormalities. The doctor may order a biopsy
to distinguish malignant changes from syphilis and
penile warts. If the results confirm a diagnosis
of cancer, the doctor will perform additional
tests to determine whether the disease has spread
to other parts of the body.
In Stage I penile cancer, malignant cells are
found only on the surface of the head of the
penis. In Stage II, the cancer has spread to the
tissues beneath the surface and shaft of the
penis. In Stage III, malignant cells are found in
the lymph nodes in the groin, where they cause
swelling. In penile cancer’s most serious stage,
Stage IV, the disease has spread throughout the
penis, lymph nodes and groin area, or has traveled
to other parts of the body. What is the
treatment?
Penile cancer is usually treated with a
combination of surgery and radiation therapy. A
doctor may recommend partial or total amputation
of the penis, lymph nodes and adjacent tissue as
necessary. If the disease is diagnosed early,
patients are often able to preserve enough of the
organ for urination and sexual activity.
Microsurgery may be performed to remove cancerous
tissue and the smallest amount of normal tissue.
Another option is laser surgery, where an intense,
precisely focused bean of light is used to
dissolve or burn away cancer cells. Radiation
therapy may be used to enhance the effects of
surgery or as an alternative to surgery.
In addition, superficial penile cancers that
are limited to a small area can be treated with a
medication that is applied as a cream directly to
the skin of the penis. More advanced penile cancer
may require systemic treatments with chemotherapy.
These drugs enter the bloodstream and kill cancer
cells that have spread to any part of the body.
Self-care tips
If detected early, cure rates for penile cancer
are high. Patients should look for abnormal
growths that resemble warts or irritated patches
of skin that develop on the head of the penis or
foreskin. Often these growths are benign (not
cancerous), but may evolve into penile cancer is
left untreated.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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